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Built in 1931 the Kingsway hosted performances by Cilla Black, Tom Jones, and according to local legend the first performance of The Beatles’s classic line-up.

Ringo Starr is said to have taken over the drums from a sick Pete Best there in the early 60s.

Eyewitness Erhan Yazgan, of Turkish Delight takeaway, said: “Apparently I was the first to see it.

"The building was derelict but I saw kids going in all the time"

“I phoned up 999 at 8.03pm. I came back from delivery and saw a little light coming out of the window, it was really, really small at first.

“From that it spread to the next window.

“The firemen arrived quickly.

“I watched it for about one hour, the smoke was going all around the building, it spread very quickly.”

Erhan added: “The original Kingsway was very good, I had a lot of good nights out there.

“It is a shame.

“Kids played in the building although it was derelict. Last Thursday I parked my car in their car park and at about four o’clock I caught four kids going in. I told them not to because it is dangerous but I saw kids going in there all the time.”

“It is a huge shame the Kingsway building was ever left empty"

Student Hayley Gore said: “I don't think the building was in that bad a condition.

“I think it is a huge shame that it was ever left empty at all and certainly a shame that it is now gone.

“Obviously a new building might bring new tourism. But it is a crying shame.”